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Newry Canal Path – Newry Canal Towpath loop from Portadown

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

Newry Canal Path – Newry Canal Towpath loop from Portadown

Moderate

5.0

(14)

102

riders

Newry Canal Path – Newry Canal Towpath loop from Portadown

03:05

55.0km

100m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 16, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

440 m

Ground Espresso Bars Café

Highlight • Cafe

Small coffeeshop right by the river Bann, directly next to Sustrans Route 9 / Newry Canal Towpath. The cafe is practically on the roadside, making it a logical stop for cyclists following the canal path. The old brick building has a relaxed atmosphere; inside and out it's a place where cyclists and walkers cross paths. Ideal for a coffee, a small snack and a short break before you cycle back into the canal landscape towards Craigavon Lakes. Enjoyed the stop, but forgot the photo.

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12.9 km

Scarva Village

Highlight • Historical Site

Village on the Newry cycle path. There is also a Scarva pilbox - one of many left over from the 2nd World War. Worth seeking out if you've got the time.

Tip by

14.9 km

Newry Canal Path

Highlight • River

This largely flat and completely traffic-free path winds through the heart of counties Armagh and Down, along the tranquil waterway that once formed the lifeline for transporting coal to the Irish Sea. As you pedal over the well-maintained asphalt or fine gravel, you'll be surrounded by lush green embankments, historic stone bridges, and the monumental remains of eighteen locks that bridge the elevation difference in the landscape. A mix of smooth asphalt and easily rideable fine gravel, suitable for almost all types of bicycles.

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17.6 km

Penny University Coffee House

Highlight • Cafe

20.2 km

Newry Canal Towpath

Highlight • Cycleway

A very flat and reasonably scenic cycle from Newry to Portadown and back. A round trip of about 18 miles. Cycling along the route of the old Newry Canal you get a chance to look at the old canal lock gates and gatekeepers cottages. A recommendation refreshment stop in Poyntzpass is Petty Sessions coffee shop, they have an excellent selection of food, sweet and savoury. You can also do sections of the route or in the opposite direction.

Tip by

27.7 km

Lock Keeper's Cottage Ruins

Highlight • Structure

Between the rustling trees along the Newry Canal Towpath, you'll encounter the tranquil ruin of a lock keeper's cottage. Once, this was the proud and bustling heart of the waterway, where the lock keeper stood ready day and night to operate the heavy wooden canal gates for passing barges. Today, only the robust stone walls remain, slowly being reclaimed by nature.

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30.2 km

Newry Canal Towpath

Highlight • Historical Site

Quiet canal section south of Poyntzpass, where the towpath runs tightly along the narrow water. The bank is lightly overgrown with low trees and hedges, giving the stretch an intimate, green impression. The water is mostly still, forming a straight line through the open agricultural landscape. An even, traffic-free segment ideal for quiet miles on the towpath.

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Tip by

55.0 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

53.7 km

1.07 km

186 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

54.9 km

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Saturday 27 June

19°C

12°C

25 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 32.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

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Newry Canal Path – Newry Canal Towpath loop from Portadown

Ground Espresso Bars Café

Scarva Village

Newry Canal Path

Penny University Coffee House

Newry Canal Towpath

Lock Keeper's Cottage Ruins

Newry Canal Towpath

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